A TOUR which will help mark 15 years of the Human Rights Act is coming to Dorchester.

The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) is working with West Dorset District Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, and Dorset Healthcare to host an event next month.

The tour, which forms part of BIHR’s 15 Days of Action for 15th anniversary of the Human Rights act, will feature an afternoon talk at South Walks House on Monday, October 5.

The Human Rights tour takes place every autumn with local groups from across the UK bidding to bring BIHR to their towns.

The purpose of the afternoon talk will be to raise awareness about human rights in Dorchester and discuss with residents how human rights are relevant in our lives.

Sanchita Hosali, deputy director of BIHR, said the Institute was thrilled to be coming to Dorchester.

She said: “This is our fifth Human Rights tour and is going to be our biggest ever so we are thrilled to be working with West Dorset District Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset HealthCare to bring the story of the Human Rights Act to Dorchester.

“With powerful voices talking about unravelling the protection of our universal human rights here at home, it is more important than ever before for each of us to recognise what is at stake.”

Representatives from West Dorset District Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, and Dorset Healthcare were also keen to highlight the event.

Cllr Alan Thacker, portfolio holder for community safety and access at West Dorset District Council, said: “We’re proud to be able to host the Dorchester leg of the tour. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about human rights and how it can affect us in our everyday lives.”

Cllr Christine James, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s briefholder for social inclusion, said: “The tour is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Human Rights. I would like to encourage anyone to take the time to come to the talk and gain some valuable knowledge.”

David Corbin, equality and diversity manager for Dorset HealthCare, said: “We have worked with BIHR in the past and found their contribution to human rights discussions to be both challenging and enlightening.

“This is a further opportunity to raise important issues and engage in a debates with partners, stakeholders and community groups and bring a renewed focus to this agenda in Dorset.”

Free tickets for the afternoon talk, which takes place between 1pm and 4pm, can be booked at eventbrite.co.uk and searching for 'fifteen days of action.'